Carroll County Invites You to Enjoy Outdoor Recreation
It is a joke that resonates with Ohioans, especially in Carroll County. One thing the weather doesn’t do is keep people from enjoying the outdoors.
This rural community is filled with small-town charm. You will discover a relaxing atmosphere where visitors can just unplug and decompress as they explore the great outdoors.
Exploring the Carroll County’s Great Outdoor Recreation
HIKING
Whether you are an experienced hiker or a novice, Carroll County provides an opportunity for you to explore the outdoors.
Five paved interconnected trails surround Atwood Lake: the Beach Access Trail, Cemetery Bay Connector Trail, Eagle Trail, Hawk Ridge Trail, and the Woodland Trail. Hikers may access the Woodland and Cemetery Bay Connector trails outside Atwood Lake Park, a Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District property.
The trails are perfect for hikers, runners, bicyclists, and, when weather permits, snowshoeing. Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) Program Supervisor Kara Musser explains, Atwood Lake Park “will offer pop-up snowshoe rentals when we get 3 inches or more of snowfall. We provide all of the necessary equipment.”
“There will be a winter hike scheduled to encourage winter outdoor recreation and unveil our new trails app,” Musser noted, pointing out the date has yet been set. Additional hikes will be scheduled through the year. To learn more about Atwood Lake’s trails, visit www.mwcd.org/trails.
Hikers may also enjoy Bluebird Farm Park’s natural trails through woods and gardens. Located just outside of Carrollton, the park, which hosts concerts most Saturday nights during the summer, welcomes visitors to its Hidden Trails Wine Cellar, by appointment. Bluebird Farm Park is open from dawn to dusk every day. Pets are welcome to join their humans on the trail except when there is a concert or other event. For more information about events at Bluebird Farm Park, see ccparkdistrict.org.
For the more experienced hiker, the Buckeye Trail travels through southern Carroll County, passing through the town of Bowerston and skirting Leesville Lake. The trail offers 24.4 miles of off-road experience, mostly through the MWCD properties.
Hikers can follow the Blue Blazes through 1,440 miles of this scenic hiking trail system that spans the state. Locally, it connects Leesville Lake to Tappan, Clendening, Piedmont and Seneca lakes, also part of the MWCD.
The Buckeye Trail Association notes much of the Bowerston section, which totals 63.9 miles, follows county and township roads and volunteers report the off-road section does grow over quickly. Hikers may learn more at buckeyetrail.org.
KAYAKING
“Paddling has grown in popularity due to a combination of factors that make it an accessible, enjoyable, and versatile outdoor activity,” Musser explained. “In Ohio, kayaking has seen a significant surge, with the number of registered kayaks now surpassing the number of registered motorboats.”
She noted, “Kayaks and standup paddleboards are now widely available at major retailers and local outdoor stores, offering basic models at affordable prices. Advancements in kayak design have also made the equipment lighter, more durable, and easier to transport, making it more convenient for people to get out on the water.” Kayaks and paddles may be rented at both Atwood and Leesville lakes.
Several special events are scheduled for 2025. “Kayak tours will take place June through August, including our popular Moonlight and Meteor Shower guided tours, as well as a Poker Paddle with fabulous prizes,” Musser said.
Participants can bring their own kayak, canoe, or standup paddle board or rent one of the park’s solo or tandem kayaks. Park facilities can rent a boat, paddle, lifejacket, and light if kayaking after dark.
“The rise of eco-tourism and a growing interest in nature has encouraged people to explore waterways from a unique perspective, while paddling provides an opportunity for peaceful reflection and adrenaline-pumping adventure,” she noted. “Paddling combines physical activity, adventure, and a connection to the outdoors, making it an increasingly popular choice for those seeking relaxation and excitement.”
In Carroll County, people can unplug and reconnect with nature by land and water. Discover Carroll County’s great outdoor recreation all year long. To learn more, visit Carroll County.
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